Former Mackay CEO wants explanation, despite legal play

BRETT Heyward might have served Mackay Regional Councillors and the mayor with legal papers, but does not think that should stop them explaining his sacking to the public.

The former council chief executive officer was fired last week, four weeks into the job.

"The continued statements by the Mayor that she cannot comment are not only incorrect, but also extremely frustrating to me, as I'd imagine they would be to the community as well," Mr Heyward said.

"As explained to me by my lawyer, "the only conceivable reason why (the mayor) would not be able to explain her actions is to comply with her (non-existant) confidentiality obligations to you (Mr Heyward).

"So far as this is concerned, you have made it clear that you would like her to explain the reasons." In other words, there is no reason for refusing to give a public explanation of her decision."

Mr Heyward also claimed terms laid out in his contract were not followed, which described the processes by which his performance would be evaluated.

"I'd like to remind the mayor and councillors that the selection process finished a long time ago, and that I entered into a contract, and I expect that contract to be honoured," he said.

"The contract provided for a clear and transparent process by which my performance could be evaluated by the Council, both within an initial probationary period and then on an ongoing basis, and not one step of that process was followed."

Mr Heyward said he entered out of the final hiring stages of five other CEO positions to accept the one at council, and had spent a lot of money moving to Mackay.

"I wish to make it perfectly clear to the Mayor and Councillors that I will continue to pursue my rights in this matter."